CA2402583A1 - Apparatus for securing independent sections of a modular seating assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A bracket assembly for assembling modular furniture including a pair of laterally extending studs which engage a pair of brackets. Each of the pair of brackets includes a vertical member having a receiving portion for receiving one of the laterally extending studs. At least one of the brackets includes a latch pivotally attached to the vertical member for releasably engaging one of the pair of laterally extending studs. The latch articulates from a first engaging position to a second releasing position. The latch further includes a slot and a lever arm wherein the slot is formed at an obtuse angle to the lever arm.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 1202P-000306 APPARATUS FOR SECURING INDEPENDENT SECTIONS
OF A MODULAR SEATING ASSEMBLY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to securing modular furniture and, more particularly, to a bracket apparatus for releasably securing modular seating sections together in a side-by-side configuration to form a loveseat, sofa or other modular seating assembly.

[0002] Sofas often incorporate one or more reclining seating sections that provide a significant degree of added comfort when compared with many conventional sofas. Such modular sofa assemblies incorporating one or more reclining seating sections enable the owner to "customize" a sofa assembly to fit herlhis specific needs and lifestyle.
In modular sofa assemblies, it has heretofore been necessary to secure the recliner sections) with the remaining seating sections) via a permanent frame, usually constructed integrally with the various seating sections at the factory. Accordingly, when the sofa assembly is shipped it must be shipped as one single, relatively large structure.

[0003] One solution to this problem was to secure the modular seating sections to a pair of transverse frame rails after delivery. As such, the modular components could be individually shipped. The advantage of such a frame-like mounting apparatus is the flexibility in changing the configuration of the sofa assembly as the needs of the owner change. Accordingly, there would be no need for the owner to order an entire new sofa assembly if the owner desired to utilize the sofa in a location with space restrictions or for ' CA 02402583 2002-09-10 other reasons. However, this system can limit the possible configurations of the modular sections.
[0004 Another solution to this problem was to secure the modular seating sections with various key-hole type brackets after delivery. This system also allows for the modular components to be shipped individually. However, one problem with this key-hole type bracket system is that one seating section must be lifted and aligned with the other seating section, and then lowered into place for properly engaging the key-hole brackets.
[0005] While previous systems have provided reasonably good structural strength to the sofa assembly, it is desirable to provide a simple bracket apparatus for releasably securing the independent sections of the modular seating assembly together, which further eliminates the need for lifting the seating sections. Each independent seating section can be fitted with the appropriate bracket member for allowing the seating sections to be interconnected. Such a bracket apparatus would increase the possible configurations of the modular sections. This would also facilitate the shipping of such seating assemblies, as the various components could be shipped independently and interconnected after delivery.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one preferred embodiment of the bracket apparatus, a generally L-shaped bracket is provided having a vertical engaging member and a horizontal fastening member. The vertical engaging portion includes an engaging recess for receiving a similarly positioned retaining stud. At least one of the brackets includes a latching mechanism pivotably supported by the vertical engaging member. The horizontal fastening portion is particularly well suited to be secured to a frame rail of a recliner seating section in a manner that disposes the vertical engaging pardon generally parallel to the side wall of the seating section. In another preferred embodiment, the horizontal fastening portion may be excluded and the vertical engaging member may be directly fastened to the seating section.
[0007] The preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a very cost effective and simple to manufacture means by which one or more modular seating sections, whether they be fixed or recliner seating sections, can be quickly and easily secured together. The preferred embodiments further provide for adjustability between the spacing of the seating sections as well as allowing the seating sections to be quickly and easily uncoupled from one another. In this manner, the individual seating sections of a modular seating assembly may be quickly and easily coupled to one another, such as when the seating assembly is delivered to a home, office, etc. The preferred embodiments of the present invention further enable the individual seating sections of a modular seating assembly to be quickly and easily detached from one another if the seating assembly is to be moved.

[0008] !t will be appreciated, then, that the preferred embodiments disclosed herein provide a signficant advantage in that the seating assembly may be much more easily shipped and handled than if the assembly was secured together at a factory, warehouse, or dealership. The preferred embodiments further do not require any special tools to enable the bracket members to be secured and released with each other for configuring the modular seating assembly.
[0009] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00010] The various advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art by reading the following specification, appended claims, and by referencing the following drawings in which:
[00011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a modular seating assembly in the form of a modular sofa;
[00012] Fig. 2 is an elevational view of the right side of the recliner seating section positioned at the left end of the modular seating assembly showing the brackets associated with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(00013] Fig. 3 is an elevational view of the left side of the fixed seating section showing the brackets associated with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
(00014] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the brackets shown in Figs. 2 and 3 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[00015] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the bracket in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[00016] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the brackets according to the first preferred embodiment shown in the engaged position; and (00017] Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of the brackets in a disengaged position according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
(00018] Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the brackets in an engaged position according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; and [00019] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the bracket according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(00020] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a bracket assembly particularly well suited for removably securing a plurality of seating sections together to form a modular seating assembly is disclosed. The following description of the preferred embodiments) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[00029] Referring now to Fig. 1, the brackets in accordance with the first and second preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in conjunction with modular seating assembly 90. As wil) be appreciated, modular seating assembly includes a left recliner seating section 12, a fixed seating section 14, a corner seating section 16, and a right recliner seating section 18. It should be understood that the plurality of independent seating sections 12, 14, 16, and 18 are modular seating sections, with seating sections 12 and 18 being of the recliner type and having recliner mechanisms like that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,992,930, issued November 30, 1999, entitled Wall Proximity Reclining Chair, which is commonly assigned, and the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the brackets of the present invention can be used for securing many styles of modular seating sections.
[00022] Left and right recliner seating sections 12, 18 both include a leg rest panel 20 which can be extended when the seating section is placed into the reclined position.
The brackets associated with the present invention are utilized between the abutting surfaces of each independent seating section. More particularly, a first set of brackets are disposed between left recliner seating section 12 and fiixed seating section 14 forming interface 22. A second set of brackets are disposed between fixed seating section 14 and corner seating section 16 forming interface 24. Finally, a third set of brackets are disposed between corner section 16 and right recliner seating section 18 forming interface 26.
Accordingly, the brackets of the present invention permit the universal interconnection of any number of independent seating sections 12, 14, 16, and 18, in addition to several other types of independent or modular seating sections (not shown).

(00023] Fig. 2 illustrates the right surface 28 of left recliner section 12.
As disclosed, right surface 28 includes a pair of L-shaped stud brackets 30a, 30b which are securely fastened to front and rear frame rails 32. A set of glides 34 are also secured to the frame rails 32 at each comer. Each glide 34 (two shown) includes a threaded shaft 36 which is threaded into an aperture formed in the frame rails 32. Accordingly, each glide 34 can be rotated to change the vertical position of the glide 34 thus adjusting the height of the frame rails 32. As disclosed, stud bracket 30a is mounted at a forward portion of right surface 28, and stud bracket 30b is mounted at a rearward portion thereof.
Each stud bracket 30a, 30b includes a laterally extending stud 38 having a head portion 40 at its outboard end. Preferably, each stud 38 is threaded. Accordingly, the lateral position of head portion 40 can be adjusted in or out by selectively rotating each threaded stud 38. It should be understood that interface 22 between seating sections 12 and 14 is formed by abutting right surFace 28 with left surtace 42 (see Fig. 3). It is to be understood by one skilled in the art, that the studs 38 need not be affixed to individual stud brackets 30a and 30b. Rather, the studs 38 may be affixed with frame member of the modular seating section and rotate to move in and out of the frame member (not shown).
Additionally, the threaded stud allows for lateral movement and affixing of the modular seating sections. In particular, this is important on the recliner sections to ensure that the reclining panel 20 has a nearly friction free movement between its reclined and unreclined positions.
This is particularly important when plush upholstery over thick padding is used to ensure an ease of movement in the reclining motion.
[00024] Fig. 3 illustrates the left surface 42 of fixed seating section 14.
The left surface 42 has a side mount latch bracket assembly 44, including a receiving bracket 46 and a latch 48 secured at a forward portion. Additionally, a side mount receiving bracket 46 is secured at a rearward portion. Each of the side mount receiving brackets 46 are affixed to a frame member 49 of the seating section 14. Fixed seating section 14 is supported by four adjustable legs 50.
(00025] With continuing reference to Fig. 3 and reference to Fig. 2, as will be appreciated, when right surface 28 is abutted with left surface 42, the studs 38 of each stud bracket 30a and 30b, will engage a respective portion of the left side 42 of the seating section. In particular, the stud 38 of the rearward stud bracket 30b will engage the rearward receiving bracket 46. While the stud 38 of the forward stud bracket 30a will engage the latch bracket assembly 44. As will be discussed in further detail, latch 48 is pivotally coupled to the side mount latch bracket 46 and retains stud 38 within receiving recess 52 for maintaining seating sections 12 and 14 in their proper alignment.
Additionally, the distance between seating sections 12 and 14 can be adjusted by changing the inboardloutboard position of each threaded stud 38.
[00026] With reference now to Fig. 4, the interface 22 described with respect to Figs. 2 and 3 is shown in more detail. More specifically, Fig. 4 illustrates the L-shaped stud brackets 30a, 30b in alignment with side mount receiving bracket 46 and side mount latch bracket assembly 44 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 further illustrates each L-shaped stud bracket 30a, 30b rigidly secured to frame rails 32 via suitable fasteners 54. Furthermore, side mount brackets 46a, 46b are rigidly secured to frame rails 49 via suitable fasteners 56. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that stud brackets 30a, 30b are separated from each other by the same distance as side mount brackets 46a, 46b thus facilitating proper alignment of each stud 38 within each receiving recess 52. As will also be appreciated, the vertical position of each stud 38 matches the vertical position of each receiving recess 52 (within acceptable design tolerances), also for facilitating proper alignment between the modular seating sections 12, 14, 16 and 18 of modular seating assembly 10. This vertical alignment between stud 38 and receiving recess 52 can be adjusted by changing the positions of legs 50 and/or glides 34 as described above. The stud brackets 30a, 30b each include a horizontal flange 58 and vertical member 60 which are disposed 90° from one another. Preferably, L-shaped stud brackets 30a, 30b are stamped from a single metal blank which also produce the necessary apertures and recesses. A subsequent stamping process then forms horizontal flange 58 in the requisite position. However, one skilled in the art will realize a single process may form the bracket and apertures.
[00027] With continuing reference to Fig. 4 and further reference to Fig. 5, the latch bracket assembly 44 is illustrated in greater detail. Latch bracket assembly 44 includes a receiving bracket 46a and a latch 48. A circular aperture 64 is formed near the upper end of the receiving bracket 46 for receiving a rivet 66 for pivotally supporting latch 48. A generally U-shaped recess 52 is formed at the rearward portion of the receiving bracket 46 for receiving stud 38 of stud bracket 30a, which is secured to the seating section opposite latch bracket assembly 44. As will be appreciated, the diameter of head portion 40 is greater than the width of recess 52 to prevent the inadvertent disengagement of adjacent brackets. A mechanical stop 68 is formed at the forward portion of the receiving bracket 46 for limiting the rotation of latch 48. The receiving bracket 46 also includes a relief or cut-out. portion 7.O formed along its forward edge which provides a recessed area for fully depressing latch 48. The receiving bracket 46 includes an upper mounting region or flange 72 and a lower mounting region or flange 74 which include the apertures 76 for mounting the receiving bracket 46 onto the frame rail 49. A mid-region 78 which includes the aperture 64 to receive the rivet 66 and the recess 52 protrudes laterally outward from the mounting regions 72 and 74, thereby extending out from the frame rail 49.
In this way, there is a depression or pocket formed between bracket 46 and frame rail 49 which receives the head portion 40 of the stud 38 so that the stud 38 may be easily inserted and removed from the receiving bracket 46.
[00028] Latch 48 is pivotably supported by a rivet 66 which extends through a circular aperture 80 formed through latch 48. Rivet 66 is also secured within circular aperture 64 formed in receiving bracket 46. Latch 48 is further defined, primarily, by a lever arm 82 and a catch arm 84 wherein a slot 86 and a catch 88 are formed which serve to encompass a stud 38 received into recess 52. The rearward portion of catch 88 includes an outer guide surface 90 which causes latch 48 to rotate about rivet 66 as stud 38 is placed within recess 52. The tip 92 of latch 48 serves as a weighted mass for counterbalancing latch 48 and imparting a gravity driven counterclockwise rotational bias.
Latch 48 further includes a tab 94 for engaging mechanical stop 68 for limiting the rotation of latch 48. As such, when stud 38 is properly situated within recess 52, latch 48 will rotate counterclockwise in the direction of arrow 100 (as viewed in Fig. 6) about rivet 66 such that slot 86 and catch 88 prevent stud 38 from exiting recess 52. Preferably, the clockwise rotation of latch 48 is achieved through movement of lever arm 82 having a rounded end 96.
[00029] With reference to Figs. 6 through 8, the mechanism and actuation of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is described. The stud 38 is received within the recess 52 of the receiving bracket 46. Furthermore, the head portion 40 of the stud 38 has a diameter greaterthan the width of the recess 52 so as to not allow the head portion 40 to be removed from the recess 52 without being slid out through the recess 52.
When a stud 38 engages the latch bracket assembly 44, the latch 48 also engages and encompasses the stud 38, once the stud 38 is received within the recess 52, to further ensure that the stud 38 does not slide out of the recess 52. With particular reference to Fig. 6, when the stud is fully received within the recess 52 the stud 38 is adjacent a rear portion of the recess 52 and the latch 48 is in the locked or engaged position. With continuing reference to Fig. 6, but with particular reference to Fig. 7 and 8, the particular actuation of the latch assembly is illustrated. In particular, the stud bracket 30a which is affixed to a seating section (not shown) is moved in the direction of arrow 98 to engage the outer guide surface 90 of the latch 48. As the stud 38 engages the outer guide surface 90, the latch 48 rotates about the rivet 66 in the direction of arrow 100.
Therefore, it is to be understood that the latch 48 may be moved from its closed to open position by the force of the stud 38 affixed to the stud bracket 30a moving in the direction of arrow 98.
[00030] It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the slot 86 is angled in such a manner so as to dissuade the unintentional disengagement of the stud 38. Due to the angle of the slot 86, if the stud 38 were to attempt to move out of the recess 52 the catch 88 would not allow such movement. Since the slot 86 is angled complimentary to the catch 88, as the stud 38 attempts to move out of the recess 52 it would move along axis 104 into the slot 86, thereby further rotating latch 48 clockwise towards the closed position.
The catch 88 extends below the bottom portion of the recess 52 when the latch 48 is closed. Therefore, when the stud 38 is received within the recess 52 and engaged by the latch 48, there is no means for the stud 38 to inadvertently move out from the recess 52.
[00031] The mass of tip 92 is of sufficient magnitude to urge latch 48 into the closed position so that it is not easily moved from the closed position.
Therefore, only a manual disengagement of the latch 48 will allow the removal of the stud 38 from the recess 52. Furthermore, lever 82 is angled acutely with respect to slot 86.
Specifically, a first axis fine 102 of the lever arm 82 is intersected by a second axis line 104 dividing the slot 86 to form an internal acute angle C less than 90 degrees. The angle C is generally between 50 degrees and 10 degrees. The orientation of lever 82, in addition to the rounded end 96, places additional mass along the first axis line 102 through the rivet 66 and second axis line 104 of the angled slot 86, thus further counterbalancing the latch 48 in the closed position.
Therefore, in addition to the weighted mass tip 92, the lever arm 82 helps keep the latch 48 in the engaged position. The above-described elements and their relationship work together to make the removal of the stud 38 through an inadvertent movement very difficult.
However, by simply depressing the rounded end 96 into the depression 70 the removal of the stud 38 is easily disengaged therefore making advertent assembly and disassembly of the modular seating assembly 10 simple for an assembler or an owner.
[00032] As previously discussed, latch 48 is designed such that stud 38 can be automatically inserted and retained within recess 52. Once inserted, stud 38 may be released from recess 52 by rearwardly depressing rounded end 96 of lever 82 within cut-out portion 70 to rotate latch 42 in the direction of arrow 100 about rivet 66 until catch 88 no longer blocks the removal of stud 38 from recess 52. Cut-out portion 70 allows rounded end 96 to be moved sufficiently forward to completely release stud 38. The complimentary recess 62 of the stud bracket 30a, 30b also ensures ease of movement of the latch 48. As rounded end 96 is moved within recess 70, the adjacent sections of furniture (such as seating sections 16 and 18) can be moved out of alignment so that stud 38 of bracket 30a can be disengaged from latch bracket assembly 44, and stud 38 of bracket 30b can be disengaged from receiving bracket 46. In this manner, right recliner seating section 18 can be disengaged and moved away from comer seating section 16 for disassembling or breaking down modular seating assembly 10.
[00033] While it is preferred that latch 48 is rotated via lever arm 82, one skilled in the art will appreciate that tab 94 can be depressed using a blunt tool, such as a flat blade screwdriver, for appropriately rotating latch 48 for releasing stud 38.
Furthermore, one skilled in the art will realize that alternatively a cable or other mechanism may be affixed to the latch 48 to allow actuation of the latch 48 without direct contact of the operator.
[00034] Referring now to Fig. 9, the details associated with an alternate embodiment of the present invention are disclosed. It should be understood that L-shaped latch bracket assembly 144 is similar to latch bracket assembly 44 and similar elements are indicated with like numerals increased by 100. The L-shaped latch bracket assembly 144 includes an L-shaped receiving bracket 146 and a latch 148. A recess 152 formed in receiving bracket 146 serves to engage stud 38 (not shown). The latch 148 of the second preferred embodiment includes the similar structures as the latch 48 of the first preferred embodiment. Briefly, the latch 148 includes an aperture 180 for receiving the rivet 166, a lever arm 182, a catch arm 184 extending from the lever arm 182, a slot 186 formed in the catch arm, and a catch 188. The catch 188 is bounded on the first side by the slot 186 and then on the outside by the outer guide surface 190, then on the upper surface by a tip 192 which also provides additional mass to the latch 148. Furthermore, the lever arm 182 terminates in a rounded mass 19fi. Finally, a tab 194 provides a mechanical stop for the rotation of the lever 148. The receiving bracket portion 146 of the L-shaped latch bracket assembly 144 is similar to the stud bracket assemblies 30a, 30b, only in general shape.
The receiving bracket 146 includes a vertical body 198 and a flange 200 extending generally perpendicular from the vertical body 198 at a tower end. The flange 200 includes an aperture 202 to receive an appropriate retaining member to affix the L-shaped latch bracket assembly 144 to a seating section. Furthermore, the vertical member 198 includes a recess 170 to allow the rotation of the latch 148 to disengage the stud 38.
Additionally, the vertical member 198 includes an aperture 168 to receive the rivet 166.
Finally, the vertical member 198 includes a mechanical stop 172 to engage the tab 194. Once the rivet 166 affixes the latch 148 to the receiving bracket 146, the latch 148 is able to rotate in the direction of arrow 204 to be to engage and disengage the stud 38. Although not illustrated, the actuation of the second preferred embodiment is generally similar to that of the first preferred embodiment described above in reference to Figs. 6 through 8. One generally skilled in the art will understand that the actuation and working of the second preferred embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 9 would be similar to that described above.
[00035 The foregoing discussion discloses and describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes, modifications, and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims (21)

1. A bracket assembly for assembling at least a first section and a second section of modular furniture comprising:
a pair of laterally extending studs mounted to the first section;
a pair of brackets mounted to the second section for engaging the laterally extending studs, each of the pair of bracket having a vertical member including a receiving portion for receiving one of the laterally extending studs;

at least one of the pair of brackets having a latch including a catch arm and a lever arm wherein the catch arm includes a slot formed at an acute angle to the lever arm pivotally attached at a pivot point to the vertical member wherein said latch articulates from a first engaging position to a second releasing position for releasably engaging one of the pair of laterally extending studs; and a mass associated with said lever arm and located below said pivot point.

2. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the latch includes a tab normal to the lever arm which engages the vertical member of the bracket to limit the rotation of the latch.

3. The bracket assembly of claim 2, wherein the lever arm further comprises a counter balance weight disposed on an end opposite the pivot point to bias said latch when engaging one of the laterally extending studs.

4. The bracket assembly of claim 2, wherein the slot includes a horizontal dimension greater than the horizontal dimension of the receiving portion of the bracket.

5. The bracket assembly of claim 4, wherein the catch arm further includes:
a tip being a weighted mass positioned generally lateral to and distal from the pivot point of the latch;
a catch forming one edge of the slot and extending below the receiving portion.

6. The bracket assembly of claim 5, wherein a guide surface is formed on a leading edge of the latch so as to pivot the latch to second releasing position when engaged by one of the pair of laterally extending studs.

7. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the slot engages one of the pair of laterally extending studs when the latch is in the first engaging position.

8. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of brackets include a horizontal member perpendicular to the vertical member to form an L-shaped bracket.

9. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of horizontally extending studs include an enlarged terminus having a diameter greater than that of the receiving portion.

10. A modular seating system comprising:
a first seating section and a second seating section;
a pair of laterally extending studs affixed to the first seating section;
a pair of brackets affixed to the second seating section;
the pair of brackets including a vertical member with a receiving section each for receiving one of the pair of laterally extending studs, furthermore at least one bracket of the pair of brackets includes a latch pivotally mounted to the first bracket articulable from a first engaging position to a second releasing position;

the latch including a lever arm and a catch arm wherein the catch arm includes a slot formed at an obtuse angle to the lever arm.

11. The modular seating system of claim 10, wherein the latch includes a catch arm and a lever arm associated therewith.

12. The modular seating system of claim 11, wherein the catch arm includes a tip having a mass distal to the pivot point of the latch biasing the latch into the first engaging position.

13. The modular seating system of claim 11, wherein the lever arm includes a mass distal to the pivot point of the latch biasing the latch into the first engaging position.

14. The modular seating system of claim 10, wherein the pair of laterally extending studs include a terminus having a greater circumference than the horizontal dimension of the receiving section.

15. The modular seating system of claim 14, wherein the pair of laterally extending studs are affixed to a bracket and the bracket is mounted to the first seating section.

16. The modular seating system of claim 10, wherein the laterally extending studs include threads such that the lateral extension length may be varied.

17. A latch for releasably connecting a modular seating system including at least a first seating section and a second seating section comprising:
a lever arm;
a pivot point;
a catch, wherein the catch includes a slot formed at an acute angle to the lever arm;
a latch bracket assembly including a receiving bracket and a latch wherein the latch is movable between an engaging position and a releasing position, wherein the receiving bracket is adapted to receive a stud and said latch includes a catch and a slot wherein said catch includes a mass to bias said latch in said engaging position and said slot is adapted to be associated with a stud to disallow unintentional positioning of said latch in said releasing position.

18. The latch of claim 17, wherein said latch rotates about a pivot point.

19. The latch of claim 18, wherein the pivot point corresponds with an aperture of a bracket affixed to the second seating section.

20. The latch of claim 17, wherein the lever arm includes a weighted mass for biasing the latch in the first engaging position.

21. The latch of claim 17, further comprising a guide surface adapted to guide the latch to the second releasing position when engaged by a stud.